Long before the wreck, the Silverwoods enjoy their time on their prized possession - the Emerald Jane, a 55-foot catamaran. This photo was taken at the beginning of their two-year journey in the summer of 2003.

An aerial view of the wreck. John Silverwood lies in the red raft waiting to be airlifted away to a hospital. No one realized that it would take many more hours before medical help was able to get to him.

The nearly two-year journey of the Silverwoods and the Emerald Jane started at Long Island Sound in August 2003. The trip ended abruptly on June 25, 2005, when the catamaran struck a hidden reef in French Polynesia.

Diane, left, and Papa Taputo, center, live with their 14 children on an island near the wreck site. They did their best to care for the Silverwoods while waiting for the rescue helicopter to arrive. Ben Silverwood, right, stands over his father, who is in the life raft (with blue blanket).

John makes it through surgery. He lost almost 3/4 of his blood and his left leg is amputated above the knee, but he is just happy to be alive. He is even happier that his family made it through the ordeal.

John Silverwood surrounded by his family leaving Tahiti-Faa'a International Airport for transport back to Los Angeles. They are wearing traditional Polynesian shell leis given to them by the members of the French Navy, who saved their lives.